What is considered police harassment?

In most cases, the police do what they have been hired to do – to protect and serve the public. But sometimes police officers abuse their power and overstep their professional boundaries, and this is when police harassment occurs.

But what actually counts as police harassment?

Police harassment is different to police misconduct as it refers to an officer continuously stopping, aggressively questioning or searching someone, without proper legal grounds to do so. Here are some more forms of police harassment:

Using excessive force

Making comments of a racist, homophobic or sexist nature

Doing illegal surveillance on someone

Holding someone against their will

This list is by no means exhaustive. Police harassment is an umbrella term that encompasses lots of different types of harassment and misconduct.

When are the police allowed to enter and search my property?

The police are allowed to enter and search your property if a judge has issued a search warrant, and even then they can only search the premises within the provisions of the warrant. The police do not have the powers to cause any unnecessary damage to your property. So for example, the police would most likely be allowed to break the door down if needed, but they wouldn’t be allowed to smash up your TV, unless they have reason to believe you have hidden something illegal inside it.

If the police search your property without a warrant, you could have a claim for police harassment or misconduct.

I feel I’ve been a victim of police harassment, what shall I do now?

If you feel that you’ve been a victim of police harassment, don’t suffer in silence. It is possible to make a claim against the police, and with the help of our expert police claim solicitors you have a good chance of getting the compensation you deserve.

Contact a member of our friendly and approachable team to discuss your case and get started on the police claims process.